More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

Guardian

Newspaper founded as the weekly Manchester Guardian in 1821. It became a daily in 1855 but did not acquire a significant national status until the very long editorship (1872–1929) of C.P. Scott; in 1936 the Scott Trust was formed to ensure that the paper could not be influenced by proprietors (a fate to which most of its rivals are prone). In 1959 the name was changed to the Guardian and in 1964 the headquarters were transferred to London. With most of Britain's press strongly supportive of the Conservative party, the Guardian has traditionally taken a left-of-centre stance.